Review / 200 Words Or Less
The Recluse
Summer Showers

Heart In Hand (2009) Michael

The Recluse – Summer Showers cover artwork
The Recluse – Summer Showers — Heart In Hand, 2009

Summer Showers is my first exposure to Alabama group The Recluse. I swore I heard their name before, in fact I think I saw them once... maybe not. I can't quite place where/why/how I know them.

"Pre-Death Realizations" is the leading cut and it is an odd song as it walks the line between equal parts melodic hardcore and metallic hardcore. Strangely enough, it works. "Dead," "Post-Death Realizations," and the title-track continue this fusion of fast, melodic hardcore with a harder edge thanks to the occasional chugging riffs and the throaty vocal delivery. Occasionally I heard a bit of two that reminds me of American Nightmare, though not quite as aggressive.

The Recluse definitely has a sound I enjoy; yet there is still something that leaves me not quite sold on them. Keep tabs on them; they have potential with their next release.

6.5 / 10Michael • July 29, 2009

The Recluse – Summer Showers cover artwork
The Recluse – Summer Showers — Heart In Hand, 2009

Recently-posted album reviews

Off Contact

Pearls Before Swine
Independent (2023)

Pearls Before Swine= offering something of value to someone who does not understand its value or appreciate it The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. These two statements could best describe the debut release of Off Contact. To truly understand this release, it would take countless spins around the world of 33 ⅓ rotations. Easy comparisons are … Read more

Frank Turner

Undefeated
Xtra Mile (2024)

The singer-songwriter gig is a hard one. You have to be the center of attention, captivating your audience from start to finish. Yes, Frank Turner plays with a backing band (The Sleeping Souls), but the focus is always on Turner, be it on stage or on a 14 song LP. And he’s willing to put it all out there. Many … Read more

Wheezing Maniac

Shade Through The Night Door
Puto Jefe (2023)

Breathe In Breathe Out. Wheezing is often heard as a whistling sound primarily while breathing out but can also be heard when taking deep breaths. It is frequently attributed to the small Bronchial Tubes situated deep within the lungs. However, a maniac can often be seen as a derogatory term used in place of a lunatic, mad person, loony, wing … Read more